We’re going to discuss the exciting topic of case lubrication. Yes, I am being sarcastic, but you will appreciate this subject if you’ve ever had a case stuck in your reloading die. I’m going out on a limb today and mentioning some specific products.

I believe that, at one point or another, I have probably used every type of case lubrication out there. All those products have pros and cons; eventually, I discovered one that shines above the rest. We will get to that a little later.

Imperial Wax

I started using Imperial wax. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent product, but it’s time-consuming to use, and if you apply too much, you can inadvertently dent your case. By my estimates, this has been used successfully for decades. “It all depends on what your time is worth” before someone complains. (I’m sure someone will.) Imperial wax is most reloaders’ and handloaders’ go-to case lube.

Imperial Dry Neck Lube

This is a dry mica powder. This lubrication is specifically for the inside of your case neck. I generally use that before I run an expander mandrel on the inside of my case. I know some people dip the butt of their projectile in it before seating. I have personally used this product successfully for years.

spray on dry lube

I have experimented with using Sh$5t. It is spray-on powder lubrication. It goes on wet, and when it dries, it leaves a powder coat lubrication. Unfortunately, I ended up with partially stuck cases. That said, I still use it, but not for brass cases. First, I spray it on the inside of my reloading dies before use. Then, I spray my rifle’s bolt with it in between strings of fire at competitions. It helps keep everything operating smoothly.

Case Lubrication Pads

It works, but it is time-consuming and messy. It didn’t take too long to decide against it. I had lubrication all over my hands, the table, and everywhere else. If you have ever seen me eat. That statement won’t surprise you. I’m sure it works well once you get good at it, but it wasn’t for me.

Lanolin oil

This lubrication, in my opinion, rises above all the rest. The downside is you have to make it yourself, but it’s not too complicated. This lubrication has two ingredients: 99% alcohol and lanolin oil.

It sprays on wet, and after a certain amount of time, the alcohol will evaporate, leaving a thin layer of lanolin oil. When working on your cases, it feels as smooth as glass. I wrote a detailed instructional article on how to make it.

(Click here) to learn how.

All of the products mentioned above work well. I guess it boils down to your taste. This article presents my own opinions after working with these products. If one of these methods works well for you, by all means, stick with it. Hopefully, this statement will save me some emails from keyboard commandos.

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